For Love
of Our Country

Isn’t it powerful to be reminded just how far back the wise pronounced their stand?

It is very sad our children were not taught that, and half of us don’t remember it.

Are we even supposed to say “Pilgrim”? God forbid if we break a rule. Oh, am I not supposed to say “God” either? Seriously, people?

Our coin says, “In God We Trust.”

It is just getting to be too ridiculous for words. Don’t even get me started on taking Dr. Seuss away. He started equality books for children.

Our freedom is a precious gift, and if you know God, it is an even deeper freedom. If you haven’t tapped into that yet, you can still relate in some way.

So why is our country, that is supposed to be the home of the free and the brave, not so free? And why are we stripped away of being brave? If we say anything wrong, harm could come upon us, so we feel we can’t be brave. I am tired of not being able to be brave in my wonderful country. So here it goes — I am going to try.

We feel the sun, a cool breeze, and the warmth of a fire. A smile and “hello” from a stranger can make my day, just like it can make yours. We all laugh. We all cry. Our differences make the world go round.

This isn’t our country — this is God’s country.

You and I, the mountains, the terrain, the rivers, oceans, wildlife, and all that is in it is God’s country. Our glorious sky, stars, and moon, and the powerful sun are not of our own creation. You can dispute with scientists and scholars, but it is a proven fact over and over that it wasn’t a big bang that blessed us with all of this.

Guess what? I believe it’s OK to believe whatever you want, because I don’t judge. Different ways of thinking also make the world go round.

However you believe, there must be a part of you that is saddened by the current state of our country. The riots, looting, and destruction of our historical monuments — how about our flag? The death and destruction that has damaged so much beauty around us is overwhelmingly sad.

Yes, my husband and I had to leave our beautiful state of Oregon, where we were raised our whole lives. They tore it down, destroyed it, and defiled it. Not just where I am from, but I meet friends every day who have the same story from a different state.

It really hit close to home when my police and firefighter friends were spit on and harmed for trying to protect us, our freedom, our safety, and our beautiful country. I really believe in the power of prayer.

When two or more gather, we can see great things happen.

“God” is referenced four times in the Declaration of Independence and three times in the United States Constitution. So who shall take that away from me? Nobody.

People ask me quite often, “What should I say to this person or that person when they are in need?”

I say, “When you don’t know what to say, just pray.”

Personally, I don’t know what to say about the lack of respect and love for our country. So, will you join me and just pray?

Maybe something like this:

“Our Father God, to Thee, Author of Liberty, to Thee I pray: Long may our land be bright, with freedom’s holy light. Protect us by Thy might, Great God our King!”

I love freedom of speech, equality, and the beauty and light that is within us all.

May I please conclude by saying: I love God, and I love my country.